Prizes

The Vilcek Prizes

The Vilcek Prizes

The Vilcek Foundation awards the Vilcek Prizes annually to immigrants who have made lasting contributions to American society through their extraordinary achievements in biomedical research and the arts and humanities. Two prizes are awarded, one in biomedical research and one in the arts and humanities, in a field designated by the foundation; this year it was awarded in architecture. (The Vilcek Prize in the Arts is awarded in rotating disciplines, with previous categories having included music, film, culinary arts, literature, dance, contemporary music, design, fashion, theatre, and fine arts.)

Vilcek Prizewinners each receive $100,000 and a trophy, uniquely designed for each winner by Stefan Sagmeister. The foundation presents the Vilcek Prizes in an awards ceremony held in early spring in New York City.

Selection Process

The foundation appoints nominators, experts in their fields, and asks them to submit the names of potential award winners to two juries: one composed of medical researchers, and the other, experts in the cultural discipline under consideration for the current year. Each jury selects one award winner and submits its recommendation to the Vilcek Foundation's Board of Directors for final approval.

The Vilcek Foundation regrets that, due to staffing limitations, it cannot respond to unsolicited nominations.

Join our mailing list

Sign up to receive email updates on new announcements, programs, exhibitions, and more.

2018 Vilcek Prizes

We applaud the recipients of the 2018 Vilcek Prizes: Alexander Rudenksy, winner of the Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science, and Teddy Cruz, winner of the Vilcek Prize in Architecture. Read more about each winner:

The Vilcek Prize

Our commemorative prizes are each uniquely designed by Austrian-born designer Stefan Sagmeister, a testament to the individual achievements of each prizewinner. Watch a behind-the-scenes video on how the Vilcek Prize is made.

Press Images

Images for publication are available only for the purpose of media coverage of the Vilcek Foundation and its activities. All published images must be accompanied by a credit line and copyright information. Please email info@vilcek.org for information.